Collision Repair Issues

Today and beyond.

Vehicle Construction

Yesterday Today

Why is my car so heavy.• The average weight of model year

2012 vehicles was 3,977 pounds, down 150 pounds from 2011 models. While the average weight over the past decade has been relatively flat, according to the EPA’s annual report (released in March), the fuel economy improves by about 1 mpg per year. Adjusted fuel economy, which is the value listed on the new car Monroney sticker, was a record 24.8 mpg in 2013. By Jenny King, Special to the Chicago Tribune

1# WiresThe average is now about 100 kilograms. 100 kilograms = 220.462262 pounds.

Entertainment systemsProbably the main interior offender is the entertainment/information system hundreds of pounds are dedicated to up to two-dozen speakers, multiple amplifiers, complex wiring and multiple components to operate a radio, disc changer, and navigation.

Safety Systemsunits (MCUs), Each feature calls for its own length of copper cabling to connect to one or more microcontroller which sit at the heart of each electronic system. And with more features being added each new model year, the harnesses are getting bigger and heavier.

More GlassGlass surface area is increasing. Industry estimates suggest that the quantity of glass in each vehicle is steadily rising - by around 15% in the last 10 years. A mid-range sedan carries around 100lb of glass today, compared to around 85lb in 1990. That's about 5% of the total weight of the

What does all this mean to me?

Cars Are still heavy.

The Solution is Weight WATCHERS2015 F150 Aluminum Truck Aluminum use on the rise

Lighter, Stronger Steels

Plastics usage

Will it ever be the same?

Things to know

Factory Tolerance is 3M Equals 3 dimes thickness

Electronic Body Measuring systemTypical cost start at $20,000. also requires yearly subscription for updates.

Modern steels to vehicle structure are for the most part no longer repairable; these high strength steels are prone to crack

during repair process. No vehicle maker allows cracked or kinked structural parts to be repaired.

Certified welder mandated by all vehicle makers.Welding certifications are typically 7 years and require rectification.

Welder Requirements

Spot Welder $15,000 + Software Mig Welder $5000

Because of advanced electronic systems, vehicles require recalibration of many common systems after collision repair,

examples are headlamp aiming, low tire pressure systems, GPS, power windows ECT.

The simple removal of a headlamp will trigger a diagnoses code. An on staff mechanic is no longer a luxury.

Parts Usage Meaning

LKQ = USED AM = Aftermarket

OEM = New original partRecon= Rebuilt or repaired

Know Your Rights

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act• among the many things it does is empower the

Federal Trade Commission to prohibit car manufacturers from voiding a vehicle's warranty because service was done by a non-dealer. Manufacturers cannot require consumers to buy parts or services from a particular company to meet warranty requirements, except under rare conditions.(Lease) The manufacturer can however void the warranty on the particular part replaced.

FYI

• Unless a dealership collision repair center or is certified by the manufacturer, warranty on repairs are the dealerships responsibility not manufacturer. This includes sheet metal replacement, typically only one year since its considered a service part.

What else to look for when choosing a repair center.

Questions or commits?